How Do You Pick a Cricket Bat for Kids?

Choosing the right cricket bat for a child can make all the difference in their enjoyment and development in the game.

There are some many options available it can become a daunting task, but one thing is for sure, it’s essential to understand all the key factors that contribute to a cricket bat’s performance so you can make an informed decision before buying.

This guide will walk you through these key factors to ensure you select the perfect cricket bat for your child.

So, keep reading and get all the details.

First up, selecting the right wood.

Selecting the Right Wood for Junior Cricket Bats

The type of wood used in cricket bats significantly impacts their performance and durability.

While English willow is the gold standard, alternatives like Kashmir willow and Dutch willow offer cost-effective solutions for beginners or casual players.

• English Willow
  English willow is the most sought-after wood for cricket bats due to its excellent performance characteristics. It is a naturally fibrous wood that provides the ideal balance between power and flexibility.  Bats made from English willow typically have a softer surface, offering better "ping" and responsiveness. However, they are also the most expensive so for kids aspiring to play at a high level, English willow is worth the investment.

If you are new to cricket bats, have a read of the highlighted article on ping so you can better understand how and why cricket bats perform like they do.

• Kashmir Willow
  Grown in the Kashmir region, this type of willow is more affordable and durable than English willow but lacks the same level of performance. It is harder and heavier, which can make it less ideal for younger players who prioritize light pick-up and easy handling. Kashmir willow is a good option for beginners or for use as a practice bat, but for kids it's a great option from a budget perspective.

• Dutch Willow
  This willow is becoming increasingly popular for junior cricket bats. It offers a balance between cost and performance, delivering decent ping and lightweight handling. Dutch willow bats are great for younger players transitioning to more competitive cricket without the expense of English willow.

At Trogon we are massive advocated of Dutch willow.  Of all the alternative willows we have seen and tested over the years this is the best.  The growing conditions and the climate are almost the same as English conditions meaning the wood is almost identical - it's a great alternative willow option.

So you have chosen the right willow type, now on to the size of the bat.

Selecting the Right Size Cricket Bat

Choosing the correct bat size is critical for a child’s comfort, technique, and performance.

Cricket bats come in a range of sizes, here at Trogon we start from Size 3 for the youngest players to Harrow and Academy cricket bats, which is just below adult size.

Here's an overview of common sizes for junior players:

• Size 3: Suitable for kids typically 4’4” to 4’7” in height.
• Size 4: Ideal for kids with a height range of 4’7” to 4’9”.
• Size 5: Designed for kids around 4’9” to 5’1” in height.
• Size 6: Fits players heights between 5’1” and 5’3”.
• Harrow: Perfect for teenagers with a height of 5’3” to 5’5”.

Below is an image of our full size guide that shows the heights and the weight range for each bat.

We have purposely left of the ages of the child from this as some kids can be smaller or taller, so the height is more important.

 

 

 

Selecting the Right Grade of Willow

Cricket bats are graded based on the quality of the willow, with higher grades offering better performance and aesthetics.

The price of the bat typically correlates with its grade.

• Grade 1: Top-tier bats made from the finest English willow. These bats have straight grains and minimal blemishes, delivering the best performance and aesthetic appeal. They are also the most expensive.
• Grade 2: High-quality bats with minor cosmetic imperfections, such as slightly wavy grains or small blemishes. They offer excellent performance at a slightly lower price.
• Grade 3: Affordable options with more visible imperfections and slightly lower grain density. These bats are great for young players starting out but may not perform as well as higher-grade bats.
• Players Grade: A sub-category of Grade 1+, used by professional players. These are made from the very best clefts and are priced accordingly.

For kids, it’s important to balance cost and quality. A Grade 2 or Grade 3 bat is often ideal for young players developing their skills.

Next we come to weight and most importantly pick-up weight.

Understanding Cricket Bat Pick-Ups and Weights

When selecting a cricket bat, pick-up is more important than its actual scale weight.

Pick-up refers to how the bat feels when pick-up in your stance, and it can vary significantly even between bats of the same weight and is subjective.

What feels heavy to one player might feel light to the other and vice-versa.

• Junior Bat Weights: Junior bats are generally lighter than adult bats to ensure easy handling and maneuverability. The weight should be comfortable for the child to hold and pick-up without compromising their natural technique.
• Importance of Pick-Up: A bat with a good pick-up will feel lighter than it actually is, allowing the child to play shots more freely. It’s better to focus on how the bat feels in their hands rather than obsessing over exact weight measurements.

We refer to the pick-up weight as the goldilocks zone - as an adult (I will use myself as the example) I want a bat that has a pick-up weight of 2lb 10ozs, but the scale weight is around the 2lb 12oz - the pick up weight is the most important element - and this should be the same for kids.

The Different of Cricket Bat Profiles

The profile of a cricket bat affects its balance, pick-up, and performance.

Understanding the various profiles can help you choose the right bat for your child’s playing style.

• Semi-Concaved: These bats strike a balance between weight reduction and performance. The semi-concaved profile offers excellent pick-up and is ideal for all-round players.

• Concaved: Designed to reduce weight while maintaining a large sweet spot, concaved bats are lighter and better suited for younger players.

• Full Profile: Full-profile bats have no concaving, providing maximum power and a larger sweet spot. However, they tend to be heavier and are more suited for advanced players who can handle the weight.

These are the 3 main profiles available when buying and looking for a cricket bat.  Here at Trogon, we make the majority of our kids and junior bats with either semi-concaved or concaved as from experience kids like big features around the edges, toe and spine.

Again, as with everything when buying crickets bat the feel of the bat is the most important.  So if you are considering buying the bat online, you need to make sure the online retailer has a good returns policy because if the bat doesn't feel right when it arrives, you need to be confident you can replace it.

For the record, here at Trogon we have a great returns policy which will provide you with comfort knowing you are being looked after.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Bat for Your Child

Here are some additional considerations to keep in mind when selecting a cricket bat:

1. Budget: Determine how much you’re willing to spend. For beginners, it’s better to start with an affordable option and upgrade as they progress.
2. Playing Style: Consider whether your child plays aggressive or defensive strokes and choose a bat profile that complements their style.
3. Durability: Young players often play on hard pitches or with tennis balls, so durability is crucial. Kashmir or Dutch willow can be a good choice in these cases.
4. Grip: A comfortable grip enhances control and reduces the risk of the bat slipping during play. Check that the grip is suitable for your child’s hand size.
5. Coach’s Advice: If your child is part of a cricket academy, seek their coach’s advice for guidance tailored to your child’s needs.

Ok, so you have purchased a new cricket bat, you have spent a decent amount of money on it, now its time to take care of it - and if your kids are anything like mine, this is the challenging part.

Caring for Your New Cricket Bat

Once you’ve chosen the perfect bat, proper care is essential to ensure its longevity and performance - there are several links to other posts we have written about each of the below in detail, they are certainly worth a read.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Knocking-In: This process conditions the willow and prepares the bat for match use. Use a mallet to gently knock the bat, focusing on the edges and toe. This reduces the risk of cracking when striking a hard ball.
2. Oiling: Apply raw linseed oil to the bat’s surface to keep the willow hydrated and prevent it from drying out. Avoid over-oiling, as this can weaken the wood - we have our own Bat wax that we use on all our bats, you can find it here.
3. Protective Covering: Use an anti-scuff sheet or protective facing to shield the bat from minor surface damage and prolong its life - 100% worth getting it added.
4. Toe Guard: Install a toe guard to protect the bottom of the bat from moisture and damage, especially if playing on damp pitches.
5. Regular Maintenance: Inspect the bat regularly for cracks or other damage. Minor cracks can be repaired with glue or by consulting a professional bat maker.
6. Storage: Store the bat in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid leaving it in a car or other hot environments, as extreme heat can warp the wood.

Conclusion

Selecting the right cricket bat for a child requires careful consideration of factors like wood type, size, grade, pick-up, and profile. By understanding these key elements, you can ensure your child has the best tool to develop their skills and enjoy the game.

Once you’ve made your choice, proper care and maintenance will keep the bat in excellent condition, allowing your young cricketer to perform at their best for years to come.

Buying With Confidence from Trogon

If you've reached this point, I sincerely thank you for reading it all through. Your interest and support mean the world to me and the team at Trogon Cricket, and it's greatly appreciated.

Whether you're here to learn more about our cricket bats or other products or just out of curiosity, your engagement makes a real difference. Thank you for being part of our Trogon journey.

 

 

Here at Trogon all our bats are handmade in our Sussex workshop and we have a selection of beautiful junior kids cricket bats in all different shapes, sizes and weights.  

Click on the below and you will find our collection.

See our Collection of Junior Cricket Bats